In trying to think of what to say when I got up here that would honor my Grandpa, I kept asking myself the question, how do I even begin to put into words a presence that meant so much in my life? And anyone that knows me knows I have no problem with words and expressing how I feel, and standing up here today, at the celebration of 82 years well lived, I’ll begin with this…

On my Grandpa’s last day with us, and the moment he took his last breath, I got to be with him, as I was stroking his hair.

It was a beautiful thing.

It was beautiful because he went peacefully and that’s what I wanted so much.

Beautiful because he died the same day he entered this world and got to meet the God who loves him so much!

I’m kind of jealous!

But most of all, it’s beautiful because he is now walking the Streets of Gold!

Towards the end of his life and while he was in the nursing home, Grandpa was a man of few words. But I know just being there, sitting beside him, and holding his hand gave him all the comfort he needed, and no words were necessary. As I look back there were many times when he would ask, when can I go home?

It’s nice to know that he’s now in the ultimate place he can call home.

One of the things unfortunate about death is that you never truly know the impact you’ve made and the imprints you’ve made on the lives of others, but I’m really hoping that he’s looking down and seeing this celebration and looking back with no regrets and agreeing with me that it was 82 years well lived.

Grandpa was an amazing grandfather. He took such pride in his grandchildren. He had a meekness and tenderness and love for you that made you feel so special. One of the ways he loved to show that love was taking his craft and love for designing jewelry and making something special and unique for all of us. Whether it was Christmas, birthday, or any other special occasion, we knew if we saw a tiny gift box, it most likely contained a piece of jewelry and you knew the hands that crafted it made it out of love, and we couldn’t wait to open it. Those pieces I’ll treasure forever.

Grandpa had some great stories to tell and he especially loved telling stories of us when we were younger. So much in fact that he’d forget that he’d told us the same story for the millionth time and we’d remind him jokingly, but now I wish I could hear those stories one more time.

He loved to dance and there were many occasions where I had the opportunity to be wrapped up in his arms not having a clue what I was doing but knowing that there were many years of experience behind those feet and I know he would guide the way for me. The last time I got to dance with him was at the nursing home Christmas party. That evening I will never forget because somewhere out of nowhere this burst of energy overtook him and he danced the night away and had so much joy and happiness that I hadn’t seen in such a long time. How I wish I could dance with him one more time.

And did he ever love strawberry milkshakes, if he were in a contest to see who could drink it down the fastest; I think he’d possibly reach genis book records. His favorite meal was what you’d call “a wilted salad” that my granny would make. I think if you gave him that and a milkshake, he’d be a happy man. He loved mashed potatoes and always wanted to lick the mixing tongs when granny made them. It truly is the simple things of life that should make us happy, and that’s a great reminder that he’s left me and will remain with me long after he’s gone.

He could certainly play a mean bongo and I’m sure right now he’s up there playing the bongos in heaven. He so loved doing that and being a part of the worship team at the time. He loved church and he loved his God. And out of all the things he’d want you to remember and know about him that would be it.

Every time I’d see him, he’d always tell me, you’re so beautiful Lauren, but deep down I’d always be thinking to myself, no Grandpa, your spirit is beautiful, and that’s the beauty that counts. The beauty he’s experiencing now in heaven is the beauty we all hope to experience one day. His life was not perfect, but was made perfect in Jesus, and his 82 years of living and the life he led made him the man he was the very day I said goodbye to him, and the very person I’ll see again when I get to heaven.

Tomorrow: THE BIG HAIR REVEAL!!!!

Sorry my Facebook blogger friends, no surprise for you if you've already seen it, haha!

I would hope that when I look back on my life that I can look back with great certainty that my purpose was served here on earth. That I loved God with my whole heart, loved people, and loved well. I love blessing others. It's much better to give then to receive. I know that there's an amazing God that loves me and will never leave me nor forsake me. There's alot of peace in that when this world can let us down. He's my constant, the one thing that remains the same in this ever changing life of mine. I look towards the future with great hope and expectancy. With hope that God has an amazing path for me, and just pray that my every step will be guided and directed by him as I walk this journey called life!

Thank you for coming by. My hope is that through this page you will find some kind of enjoyment and inspiration. Tell others about it and keep checking in. If you want to contact me my e-mail is LaurenBella6@hotmail.com :o)